A thorough search for locating the right outfitter should lead you to the phoning of "hunt references." These are people who have previously hunted with the outfitter who can discuss issues which you feel are vital in the decision making process. References shouldn't always be people who harvest trophy animals, nor people who are novice hunters.

Questions you may wish to ask references include but are not limited to the following:

1. How were the accommodations at the lodge?
2. Was the food good?
3. Did the hunt guides work hard for you during your outing?
4. Were stands comfortable and well placed for deer interception?
5. How was camp atmosphere?
6. Was the ground over hunted or did you see plenty of game?
7. What hunt would you recommend?
8. Where hunt strategies effective and well planned?
9. Would you recommend I book a hunt with this outfitter?

The following is a listing of references who can further inform you about IMB Outfitters and the services they received from IMB during their outing. The following are all dedicated
sportsmen who know and understand trophy whitetail and turkey movement and what you should expect from a responsible outfitting service. (Photos on this page are solely those of the reference clients appearing on this page.)

Dr. David Samuel spent 30 years as a professor of wildlife management at West Virginia University. Since 1971 he has been the Conservation Editor of Bowhunter magazine, where his Know Hunting column still appears. His writing, speaking engagements and television work are based on his teaching and research experience and study of wildlife, especially deer, plus 57 years as a bowhunter. In 2007 he was inducted into the Archery Hall of Fame. In 2009 he received two lifetime achievement awards for contributions to white-tailed deer management and education from the Southeast Deer Study Group and the Quality Deer Management Association. His latest books are Whitetail Advantage (2008) and Whitetail Racks (2010).

Dr. David Samuel states,

"On my second morning, early November 2009, at the IMB Iowa lodge, I arrowed this dandy buck. However, I hit him too far back, and although we saw him just before dark and he could barely walk, we found nothing the next day. But the guys said they'd continue looking for him. In April I got a call from Darrin Bradley saying that Cody had just found him. I called Cody and learned that the buck really hadn't gone all that far from my ladder stand. IMB didn't have to call to tell me about this 6x6 152" buck. They could have kept the antlers and got him mounted for the lodge, but instead they tracked me down, and UPS'd the antlers within a week. I've gotten a cape and this year he will go on my den wall. IMB did a great job from start to finish. Thanks guys. You are the best."

Dr. Dave Samuel

Morgantown, WV

Larry Havens took this 171 inch Boone and Crockett Buck during a non rut hunt of Pike County, Illinois in 2007. Larry has hunted a group of 5 guys with us for 3 years. Larry would be great to phone for a reference as he has done the late season, early season, and the rut.

Mark Leblance took this 160 inch Missouri Whitetail Deer in 2009 with IMB

Jay Pope, hunted Illinois last year, and Iowa this year. This year he took his first 170 inch plus
buck. Jay is a great Christian man, who accredited
his good fortune to Jesus Christ.